CN1791861A - Business process management for a message-based exchange infrastructure - Google Patents

Abstract

Methods and systems for managing integration of a heterogeneous application landscape are disclosed. The landscape is defined by one or more business process. A business process management system includes an integration server connected between two or more applications in the landscape. The integration server includes a business process engine configured to execute one or more business processes that define message-based interactions between the two or more applications. The business process management system further applications. The business process management system further includes a runtime engine, under direction of the business process engine, for executing one or more messaging services on the message-based interactions between the two or more applications.

Description

The business procedure management of message based exchange infrastructure

MULTIPLE-BLADE

The present invention requires the right of priority of the U.S. Provisional Patent Application submitted on May 16th, 2003 number 60/471237.

Background technology

Following description relates to business system and is used to cooperate associated architectures and the technology of business procedure (business process).Company is faced with the demand of the increase of the integrated and cooperation in its information and enterprise software system.In most of current system profiles (landscape), many parts directly are connected with other parts by man-to-man relation, and wherein integration capability hardware is connected in application component and the single mapping program.In these cases, the management that the cooperation of information is shared is difficult.These infrastructure seldom can be represented actual business procedure exactly, and they are restricted for the dirigibility of the dynamic business scene (scenario) of domination business procedure.

Yet new e-business cooperation usually need be in the connectivity of all inside and outside application of company border.Network such as the Internet provides the almost chance of instant messaging of system and other system or individual.The business procedure that once once had been limited in Intranet and user thereof moves to the Internet now, becomes an effective ingredient of WWW (Web) service.Web service is the modular applications function of can announce, find or call by the open internet standard able to programme, self-contained, self-described.Yet, the upgrading of the system ensemble of existing enterprise's software, perhaps to tend to expense too big for the large-scale replacing strategy in the heterogeneous system general picture, unfeasible perhaps on time and capital resources expense.

Though use open protocol that technical connectivity is provided, still exist for the challenge of shining upon different commercial semantic (business semantic) such as HTTP(Hypertext Transport Protocol) and extend markup language (XML).In order to obtain to take turns the growth of efficient one of future, enterprise is required to carry out a kind of new cooperation business procedure of crossing over enterprise or crossing over the function in enterprise more and more.In addition, enterprise will need to handle and management real-time scene rather than execution batch processing more and more.

Summary of the invention

This document discloses a kind of business procedure and message based business procedure management (BPM) system and method for communicating by letter of scene management and execution that is used for according to reality.This BPM system comprises business procedure engine (after this being called as " flow engine " in order to simplify also), and it is configured to execute instruction according to the business procedure of application system general picture.This flow engine keeps a state to handle related news on integrating server.The relevant flow engine that means can be identified in the message of link semantically, such as order form or the invoice relevant with single product.This flow engine can receive and preserve a plurality of message in a flow instance.

This flow engine is configured to carry out clear and definite serialization (explicit serialization) (comprise handling and reply).This serialization is independent of sender and recipient system, and works when relating to above a recipient and sender system, and this is different from only once orderly EOIO flow process.This flow engine also is configured to carry out the multicast of flow process control, to comprise the processing for response message.

This flow engine can also be collected relevant message.This flow engine also provides Transformation Service, it is arranged to becomes a message (being merged into a buying order such as the buying order position with buying order header and any amount) with a plurality of message merging, and a message is divided into several sections, for example a buying order is divided into the buying order position of buying order header and any amount.Business procedure (after this also directly being called " flow process ") can be used the information that participates in message (the previous information that receives of this flow process) from all, and the response route can be given the original sender of request formerly.

Description of drawings

Describe these and other aspect in detail referring now to following accompanying drawing.

Fig. 1 is the simplified block diagram that is used for the exchange system of integrated, message based cooperation.

Fig. 2 is the block scheme of exchange infrastructure.

Fig. 3 be the integrated warehouse (integration repository) that is used for collaborative process, integrated catalogue (directory) and working time (runtime engine) engine more detailed block diagram.

Fig. 4 is the block scheme that explanation is used for using at two or more flow process that transmits single message.

Fig. 5 is the architecture block scheme that comprises the BPM system of integrating server and business procedure engine.

Fig. 6 is the workflow chart of BPM system.

Fig. 7 has illustrated the link of business procedure and from the link of business procedure.

Fig. 8 shows the situation of the serialization use of BPM system.

Fig. 9 shows the basic combine scenes of BPM system.

Figure 10 has illustrated the stateless communication scenes in the BPM system.

Figure 11 has illustrated in the BPM system state communication scene arranged.

Figure 12 shows three types communication scenes in the BPM system.

Figure 13 has illustrated and has used context object to distinguish different forwarding steps on same-interface.

Figure 14 illustrated in BPM system combination situation aspect.

Figure 15 has illustrated as the value mapping of flow process-normalized value-format operation and has handled.

Figure 16 has illustrated the embodiment of flow engine execution time.

Figure 17 has illustrated an implicit cancellation operation.

Embodiment

System described here and technology relate to the management to business procedure, and described business procedure has defined the message communicating agreement between the heterogeneous system general picture is used.This business procedure management system and method optimally realize in exchange infrastructure, and described exchange infrastructure is configured to use such as the open standard of XML and HTTP and host-host protocol and comes integrated and drive cooperation between the various application in general picture.

Fig. 1 is the simplified block diagram of the integrated and message based mutual system 100 that is used to use.System 100 comprises exchange infrastructure (XI) 110, is used for the collaborative process in the middle of the internal part (IC) 102 in enterprise, and is used for by the collaborative process between fire wall 105 and the external component (EC) 104 that one or more IC 102 communicate by letter.In IC and EC 102, the 104 a plurality of flow processs of representative or service and the software and hardware thereof any one, such as web portal, purchase or marketing procedure, Email, commercial management program, project scheduling program etc., and preferably based on the application of Web.IC/EC 102,, 104 each according in a plurality of communication protocols or the standard at least one via message and one or more other components communicate.

XI 110 is self-contained, modular switching planes that are used to drive the cooperation between parts 102,104.XI 110 comprises the central integrated warehouse and the catalogue of storage shared collaboration knowledge.XI 110 supports the open standard such as extend markup language (XML), Web Services Description Language (WSDL) (WSDL) and the various standard SGMLs of Simple Object Access Protocol (SOAP) to come for parts 102,104 provide the summary of technical interface (abstraction) with message based communication that is used to cross over the heterogeneous components interface.One or more Web services that self-contained, the modular function of XI 110 can be used as based on the standard the Internet technology provide, and therefore can use open standard to issue in the network with parts 102,104, find and visit.

Fig. 2 has illustrated the system profile 200 of the XI 110 that comprises the cooperation that is used for convenient message based application.Exchange infrastructure 110 comprises integrated warehouse 202, integrated catalogue 204, system profile catalogue 203 and integrating server 206.Integrated warehouse 202 is caught the design time cooperation of all software parts that can transmit via XI 110 and is described.Integrated catalogue 204 in working time the cooperation of capture system general picture 200 specialized configuration describe, it comprises that the two all represents the shared commercial semantic of system profile 200 to install and be used for the visit of the connectivity explanation of external component from the physical unit of system profile catalogue 203.Integrating server 206 use to be shared commercial semanteme in working time and is carried out message based cooperation between the software part at effectively (active).

Integrating server 206 is included in the run time engine of give information working time transmission (messaging) and business procedure control, is used for the flow process stream of Connection Service and management value chain.BPM system 299 resides on the integrating server 206 under the run time engine 214.BPM system 299 comprises the business procedure engine or " flow engine " (not shown) that carry out the working time that is used for that business procedure is managed of operation on run time engine 214.

Integrating server 206 also comprises the integrated service 216 that requires application specific to realize usually.Similar with integrated warehouse 202 and integrated catalogue 204, integrating server 206 is arranged to the deployment in any existing system infrastructure.The private server of the shared collaboration knowledge of the integrated catalogue 204 of integrating server 206 is preferably the used working time system profile that Collaborative environment is supported.Working time, worktable 208 allowed the reliable operation of mechanisms or user management XI 110.

XI 110 comprises that also being provided at integrating server 206 and proprietary application (proprietary aplication) 211, network-based services 213 and third party uses internuncial various adapters 209 between 215.XI 110 can also comprise Web Application Server 210, is used to provide the criterion calculation platform according to using such as the Web special program language programming of for example Java and ABAP.Web Application Server 210 also comprises an example of run time engine 214, be used for use such as Java 220 and ABAP use 222 and other parts between the application based on Web between give information and transmit and business procedure is controlled.

The new interface that is used for software part can use and adopt agency's (proxy) application component to define, and this interface that has allowed to be used for software part can be realized in logic at XI 110.The agency makes that communication technology storehouse (stack) is transparent for using, and gives to use and show the interface that is independent of programming language.The agency can generate based on the information that is stored on the integrated warehouse 202 by acting on behalf of generator 218.Act on behalf of generator 218 uses and in application development system, create the code that depends on programming language and platform based on the interface message of the language description of Web via standard such as WSDL and XSDL.Communication logic can be realized based on the agency that representative is described such as the interface of the corresponding development platform of using 213 Java, ABAP and .NET based on Web.The agency becomes XML to the platform-specific data type conversion and visit for the local integrating engine of component-dedicated is provided.At departures (outbound) end, intactly produce the agency.The service call that outbound proxy can provide via the developer of this application calls.And hold at inbound (inbound), a framework that needs generation to act on behalf of is as what realized by the reception application.

Fig. 3 describes an example of integrated warehouse 202, system profile catalogue 203, integrated catalogue 204 and run time engine 214 in detail.Integrated warehouse 202 comprises design time business procedure 232, routing object 234, mapping 236 and interface 238, above all be defined according to one or more business scenario 230.Integrated warehouse 202 visits the description of all software parts 240 the system profile from system profile catalogue 203.Message based mutual between application component or the enterprise described and be configured in to the business scenario 230 in integrated warehouse 202.Enterprise can be chosen in the best realization that one or more business scenario conducts of describing in the integrated warehouse 202 are used for disposing fast XI 110.

Business procedure 232 can be implemented as the combination the expanded Web service of using business procedure engine 274 to carry out.Heart (centrally) modeling in integrated warehouse 202 quilts of each business procedure 232.Company or user design each business procedure 232 according to its commercial needs, realize and be independent of its technology.The business procedure template that several types for example can be arranged: promptly, common commercial flow process, industrial private processes and company's private processes.Required and the Web service that must interconnect of each flow process identification.In a specific implementation, use graphic interface to define business procedure 232.Define figure business procedure definitional language according to BPEL4WS 1.1 specifications.Business procedure 232 can output to standard format or import (being BPEL4WS 1.1 specifications of today) from standard format.Can expand the I/O framework makes it can be provided for the I/O facility of the redaction of other standard or BPEL4WS.Business procedure engine 274 can be explained these models subsequently and carry out them and drive cooperation in software part.

Routing object 234 is preassigneds of determining at the potential recipient of the message that must distribute (distributre) during the collaborative process between parts and business parnter.Be used to recipient's determining about the information of routing object for message that before distribution, needing to avoid processes complete.Required conversion between mapping 236 message interface 238, type of message or the data types that are defined in the integrated warehouse 202.The mapping of Structure Conversion and value is contained in these conversions.Structure Conversion is to be used for types semantically of equal value different on sentence structure and structure, and the mapping of value can be used during by different key identification in a plurality of systems at this object.In certain embodiments, provide a figure mapping tool to assist mapping, and come translation data based on expanding stylesheet language conversion (XSLT) or Java code.

Integrated warehouse 202 is the central points that enter that are used for interface exploitation, storage and retrieval, and comprises the interface 238 that is described in all message interfaces of all software parts in the system profile.Therefore, interface 238 can be realized on any software part that uses any technology.Message interface is made of type of message, and type of message is to be made of data type successively.Data type can use XML Schema definitional language (XSDL) to describe.An example of data type is " address ", and it uses in type of message " establishment buying order " and can be reused for type of message " establishment invoice ".Interface 238 can according to such as inbound, departures and the summary or synchronous and asynchronous any classification arrange.

Parts 240 representative comprises about the information of application component and about the component representation of their mutual dependent information.In a specific realization, component representation is based on the standard universal information model (CIM) of distributed management troop (taskforce).Because integrated warehouse 202 comprises design time information, the parts-type information that only is independent of actual installation is stored in the system profile catalogue 203 as parts 240.Can use API or interactively to use graphical user interface to add component representation.

Integrated catalogue 204 is for being described in detail from the information that is exclusively used in as the integrated warehouse 202 of each configuration of components of installing in system.The configure dedicated cooperation of integrated catalogue 204 is described and can be used graphical user interface to generate by hand from the automatic generation of the content the integrated warehouse 202 or by the user.In one implementation, integrated catalogue 204 be implemented on the Java platform and its content via using the open internet standard XML to represent.Integrated warehouse 202 can be upgraded and do not influence integrated catalogue 204 or any working time collaboration process.Which change the user determines to be sent to integrated catalogue 204 subsequently, or manually carries out as predetermined auto-update or via graphical tool.

Integrated catalogue 204 comprises business scenario 250, business procedure 252, context object 254 and can carry out the configure dedicated description of mapping 256.Integrated catalogue 204 also comprises for effective Web service 258 and effectively business parnter 260 description.The description that integrated catalogue 204 is used from system profile catalogue 203 for effective system general picture 262.Business scenario 250 in integrated catalogue 204 is illustrated in the interface in the context of the actual disposition relevant with specific implementation and shines upon mutual general view between 256.The executable description of business procedure 252 all effective business procedures of expression.

Context object 254 is determined the recipient in the message of business layer.In a specific realization, the context of message is used as context object 254.Also can use other parameter.Relevant input parameter comprises sender, sender's type of message, identification recipient's message and recipient's type of message.Context object 254 can use XML path language (Xpath, that is, by using graphical tool) to come declaration formula ground (declaratively) to describe or can encode with Java.Integrating engine 214 is in the information of visit working time about context object 254.

Context object 254 can use logical term describe the sender with the recipient so that they are separated from the physical address that is provided by the Web service of describing the integrated catalogue 204 258.Therefore this physical address can be changed and not change the content of commercial presence.Mapping 256 in integrated catalogue 204 is illustrated in mapping required in the effective system general picture, contrasts in comprising the integrated warehouse mapping 236 of supporting mapping to some extent.Yet some new clauses and subclauses such as the new sequences of mapping, is merely able to for example produce the additional Web service that is used to shine upon of addressing in integrated catalogue 204.Integrating engine 214 is visited integrated catalogue mapping 256 in working time.

Context object 254 provides unique title for visit at semantically identical load information.For example, context object can provide unique visit title for the invoice and the buying order of ' plant '.In invoice the Xpath of ' plant ' can be defined as '/A/B/C/plant ' and in buying order the Xpath of ' plant ' seem similar '/X/Y/Z/werk '.Context object 254 is assigned to the message interface invoice and the buying order of having specified above-mentioned XPath.This XPath that has guaranteed plant can not be defined in n different place.

Web service 258 is described in the interface of realizing in the current effective system general picture, and effective Web service of being supported by described business parnter 260.Similarly, the information of describing Web service 258 can exchange with the compatible catalogue of unified description, discovery and integrated (UDDI) or by manual interpolation.Each Web service 258 is described physical addressing details, visit information and other other specific properties such as uniform resource locator (URL), agreement and security information also is provided.In one implementation, Web service 258 usefulness WSDL describe, and SOAP and ebXML are used as messaging protocol.Integrating engine 214 is also visited information about Web service 258 in working time.

The system profile 262 of system profile catalogue 203 is described the current system profile that uses XI 110.System profile 262 be described in install on some machine in the system and available parts, selected example or client computer, about the further information of mounted component, other system profile etc.That system profile 262 is based on opening architecture and can follow any widely accepted standard, such as Common Information Model (CIM).So in the time of in being installed in the real system general picture, a lot of privates and third-party parts can be configured to registration in system profile 262 automatically.Access interface to system profile 262 also can be based on open standard, such as commercial management (WBEM) and the SOAP standard based on Web.

Business parnter's 262 definition are used for the business parnter's of enterprise information, such as name, address and URL, and can comprise how detailed and complicated information.For example, business parnter 262 can comprise for can directly being received and handle or for the description of the message format of the transaction term security protocol that is used for secure communication or that adopt in partnership.Being stored in information the sort of among the business parnter 262 can use XI 110 to manage by the enterprise-specific decision (decision) of enterprise.

Integrated catalogue 204 and run time engine 214 are formed for carrying out the cooperating operation time environment of cooperation business procedure.This cooperating operation time environment provides and all of the parts that are used for exchanging messages relevant between software part that is connected and business parnter working time.Integrating server 206 is carried out cooperating operation environment or Web Application Servers 210, and an example of run time engine 214 can be provided according to the informedness resource that is provided by integrated catalogue 204 for each of cooperating operation environment or Web Application Server 210.

The run time engine 214 of all message of exchange comprises two-layer in various interconnective parts: integrated layer 272 and message transmission and transport layer (MTL) 280.Integrated layer 272 comprises business procedure engine 274, logic route service 276 and the mapping service 278 of the business procedure of carrying out central modeling.MTL 280 provides physical address analysis service 282, message transmission and formation service 284, via transmission service 286 and the database 288 of HTTP.Integrated service 216 in the integrating server 206 can be supported run time engine 214.MTL 280 also is included in each example of run time engine 214 of Web Application Server 210, is also included within each adapter 209 of the adapter framework that is connected to various software parts.Each MTL 280 is as described below to have a role in carrying out the EO agreement.

In working time, business procedure 252 is carried out by illustration and by business procedure engine 274, and business procedure engine 274 is carried out the corresponding Web service of describing according to the position that the business procedure model is independent of them in Web service 258.Business procedure engine 274 is independent of the semanteme of performed business procedure 252, and be configured to business procedure 252 and working time system profile technical parts carry out mutual arbitrator and promoter (facilitator).

Fig. 4 is the block scheme of several functions of run time engine 214 in the flow process that exchanges messages in application of explanation and BPM299.Send application 303 and reside in the transmit block system 302,302 expressions of transmit block system send uses 303 hardware and software platform.Each of one or more receptions application 305 resides in the receiving-member system 304.The communication path that is used for message 310 can comprise from transmit block system 302 by run time engine 214 and adapter 309 outbound proxy 307 that is going out station interface to receiving-member system 304.Receiving-member system 304 can also utilize inbound agency 311 rather than adapter.The configuration and the connectivity of shown receiving-member system 304 only are examples, should be noted that this configuration and connectivity can adopt any amount of form.The example of being drawn has illustrated asynchronous and synchronous communication.In synchronous communication, be known because response is sent to the sender, only need route and physical address to resolve for request.

For given message, logic route service 276 is used information and the message interface of using about sending, and determines recipient and required interface by the corresponding routing rule of assessment shown in 312.Routing rule be provide by integrated catalogue 204 working time system profile a part describing of configure dedicated, and can realize with Xpath expression formula or Java code.Mapping service 278 is in the 314 required conversions of determining to depend on message, sender and sender's interface and recipient and recipient's interface.Under the situation of asynchronous communication, even the direction of message all is determined suitably to change input, output and error message.

After retrieving required mapping from integrated catalogue 204, mapping service 278 can be for content or the execution XSLT mapping or the execution Java code (or any combination of giving definite sequence) of the message that is sent.Under integrated layer, message transmission, formation and transmission service 284 move to that will go or required recipient with this message.After message is converted into the desired form of each recipient, retrieves physical address and other association attributes that required recipient serves from integrated catalogue 204, and they are mapped to this message 316.

Queue engine (not shown) in message transmission and formation service 284 continues that storage is inbound, departures, error message and ongoing message.The transfer source layer of run time engine 214 is provided for the physics of using parts is removed the queue function that connects and guarantees that message is only just in time sent once according to agreement (i.e. " EO agreement ").Transmission service 286 makes run time engine 214 can play the part of both roles of client-server.Transmission service 286 realizes that a client computer that can enable to set off and one enter document by reception and handles inbound server in communication.Additional server capability can be dealt with the situation that recipient does not therein have server by being supported in inquiry (polling) on the employed host-host protocol.Preferably use HTTP, but also can use other host-host protocol.

Fig. 5 is the architecture block scheme of BPM system 500, and it comprises the flow engine 504 that is integrated in the integrating server 502.What be known as flow engine 504 and integrating server 502 in disposing their working time also is known as process editing machine and integrated constructor respectively in their " definition time " configuration.Flow definition 506 in the BMP system 500 be based on different development platforms BPM working time 508.For example, flow definition 506 is based on such as the Java of J2EE platform 505, and be based on ABAP's working time 508.BPM system 500 is included in monitoring and the management tool 524 on the integrating server 502.

Flow definition 506 modules are based on the deployment rule of importing from the XI object 512 of integrated catalogue 514; Utilize XML object and the relevant flow process that defines.XI object 512 is based on to the routes of system operation time configuration 516 definition and mapping.XI object 512 also is used as the design time configuration 520 that defines business procedure 518 and system profile in the integrated warehouse 522.Business procedure 518 other integrated warehouse 522 objects and instrument integrate, and this allows to be linked to other XI object and from the link of other XI object.Flow process (that is, pattern and template) can be delivered to the client, and expansion concept can be provided.The application specific content also can be sent.Some application can be created the flow process and/or the expansion that can be delivered to the client.BMP system 500 comprises that input and output are used for the I/O framework 526 of general internuncial measured adapter.BPM system 500 can comprise the interface that is used to receive the special-purpose business procedure details of user.

The business procedure scene modeling also is known as modeling pattern (perhaps being exactly " pattern ").The pattern that describes below is high layer building piece, and can make up mutually and with make up such as final term, unusual etc. former substantially (atomic) flow engine 504 functions.

1) transmission and reception: send by the message of flow engine 504 controls and combine with the receiving step of wait relevant response message usually.Receiving step should be waited for to activate the message that relevant association begins as queue mechanism.

2) serialization: this pattern can comprise the following steps: 1. reception message and they are stored in the process data context in this locality; 2. retention data context and when having satisfied certain condition, begin to send the message that is received; Send the message that is received with 3. with the given order relevant with recipient's dependence.This third step can be: a. does not consider response/affirmation (no matter " emission promptly "); Or b. receives response or confirms (enabling serialization).The technology ACK of the message that flow engine 504 once sends before can being configured to wait for before sending next message or from the commerce response of the preceding message that once sends.

3) change/mix/cut apart: flow engine 504 is transforming message in the process context.Conversion subsequently can be performed: 1. (N: 1) message conversion of several collections is become a new information (for example several invoices are converted to the invoice of a combination or or convert the position of PO header and several PO to a PO.); (1: N) message conversion is become several other message (for example with the combination invoice convert the message relevant to original buying order); With 3. (1: 1) be a particular case of aforesaid conversion.N: M mapping also is possible if desired.

4) multicast: flow engine 504 can be configured to calculate recipient's (also using content-based condition) of a message, and this message is sent to these recipients, or and response/affirmation (no matter " emission promptly ") irrelevant or based on receiving a plurality of responses/reply.Can walk abreast or order sends message.

5) collect: this pattern is used the receiving step that can receive the message of any amount therein.Viewpoint from flow process, can be via " push; " (promptly reached certain condition, arrived such as N message, certain deadline date to etc.) or wherein flow engine wait for that " poll " of the particular message of the end that indication is collected defines the end of collecting scene.

Also with reference to Fig. 5, Fig. 6 illustrates the flow engine of the integrating server 502 of the workflows 600 of 500 working times of BPM system and control corresponding (orchestrating) several " client " application system 503.Integrating server 502 is the independent parts of communicating by letter with client's application system 503 via message.The function that message is relevant (send, create, change, merge, cut apart etc.) is preferably realized by the service call to the transfer source layer of integrating server 502 (' low layer XI function working time ').Flow engine 504 does not preferably directly change the message load.But as described below, message changes by changing.

The flow process of 504 care of flow engine on integrating server 502, rather than the flow process on application system 503.Flow engine 504 is not used to be controlled at the process in the back-end system, but when its can via message and or flow process when communicating by letter, the get along well management function and the subscriber management function of mechanism of application, back-end system of flow engine 504 is mutual.Flow engine 504 uses transfer source layers as application, and commercial pursuit stream use use, for the user management and the organization management of respective application system.Flow engine 504 is supported via the communication that goes out station interface (outbound interface) synchronously.

The business procedure management

Workflow management is integrated in the XI general picture and can describes with two parts: 1) " external view ", it contains business procedure and from whole references of business procedure; With 2) " interior views ", it observes flow process and modeling tool.

External view

The expression of flow process is all arranged in integrated warehouse 522 and integrated catalogue 514.The visioning procedure definition, and only in integrated warehouse 522, store this flow definition.This permission is transferred to client 503 with flow definition.The flow process that is stored in the integrated catalogue 514 will rely on thin (thin) expression, and it will point to the related procedure definition in integrated warehouse 522.Each business procedure as an XI object (in navigation tree as seen, and from the link of other XI object or useful in the link of other XI object), is integrated into ability in the XI environment with providing with integrating server 502.Business procedure 518 can be used the XI object type of having set up, and will not create redundant object type.Business procedure 518 comprises public part, such as used interface formerly; Private part (private parts), it comprises use step type and relevant process flow diagram.Flow instance can be stopped and restarts in working time 508.Flow instance can also restart (if for example make a mistake, then restarting from that step) from specific step during certain step.

Fig. 7 illustrates the link of the business procedure 518 in the integrated warehouse 522 and from the link of the business procedure 518 in the integrated warehouse 522.This link is included in following reference: (2) digest interface 702; (3) context object 704; (4) interface mappings 706.Absolute link comprises: (1) business scenario is with reference to the action of flow definition; (5) interface mappings 706 is with reference to message maps 712.Can in business scenario 720, use business procedure 518, and will be as the intermediary between business system.

Business procedure 518 has flow process interface 708, the inbound and outbound traffic flow that its reflection is whole.The interface that uses in flow process interface 708 comprises two types: flow process special purpose interface (the special standard interface that is used for this flow process); And the departures of the mapping of transmission/reception business system/go into station interface (for fear of creating unnecessary interface).Mapping must create pointed to and carry out during the new digest interface 702 of the identical message type of clean interface.Digest interface 702 can be as roles inbound and departures.This guaranteed for receive by flow process and subsequently unchangeably (without conversion) message mapping of sending be unnecessary.If the inbound and outbound message of this requirements of process then needs the conversion from the inbound direction to the outbound direction.In addition, the flow process special purpose interface need not have the agency in appended business system.This has produced (lead to) so-called digest interface 702, and it is the interface of the unique type that can use of business procedure 518.Local interface can with reference to other interface 708 (in order to handle mapping) and they can also be with reference to type of message 710 (for the realization flow special purpose interface).

Context object 704 can be used to visit load information via title or other message content.Data can not be written into context object 704.Interface mappings 706 within switch process by business procedure 518 addressing.

Business scenario 720 can be with reference to one or more business procedures 518.A business procedure occupies one " swimming lane (swim lane) " or flow process stream.Each flow process is used as a business system and treats.Action in the flow process swimming lane is not stored as can reusable independent action.Action expression by business procedure 518 as departures or go into the interface that station interface (or both) uses.In the situation of ' normally ' scene, the total interface of action needs not to be the target and the source of connection.Under the situation of business procedure, each action expression has inbound and/or departures are semantic and must be used as target in the connection and/or an interface in source.518 navigation is provided from business scenario 720 to business procedure.

Fig. 8 shows simple serialization operating position.O ^*Represent one and go out station interface.I ^*Represent one and go into station interface.L ^*Represent a local interface.The message of interface L2 and L4 receives (each in them can at first arrive and begin flow process) by business procedure and sends with order in proper order.Each action expression is used as into station interface (reception) by business procedure and goes out an interface of station interface (transmission).Therefore, each action has two connections: the action of arriving and from action.

Fig. 9 shows basic merging scene.The message of interface L2 and L4 receives (each in them can begin flow process) by business procedure and is converted into the new information of the interface L5 that sends.Represent the action of interface L2 and L4 only to have inbound (reception) and be connected, connect and represent the action of interface L5 only to have departures (transmission).

For a business scenario, business procedure can be come modeling in a different manner.A kind of method is called " flow process is preferential, " or from top to bottom, it comprises visioning procedure definition and flow process interface.This flow process mark (signature) comprises having interface inbound and/or the departures role.The message of these interfaces can be received by flow process/send.Described flow process mark can derive and need do not defined by flow scheme design teacher from flow definition and Container elements (container element).The inbound part of this flow process interface is based on the receiving step of the message (that is the type of the Container elements that should receive) that receives given interface.The departures of this flow process mark partly are based on the forwarding step of the message (that is the type of the Container elements that, has sent) that sends given interface.This method also is included in and introduces flow definition in the business scenario.In business scenario, action refers to the interface of business procedure.

The another kind of method that flow process can be modeled is called as " scene is preferential " or from top to bottom, it comprises the following steps: that 1. introduce (the implicit visioning procedure definition if flow definition does not exist) to flow definition as swimming lane in business scenario; Add action (implicit this flow process interface of establishment/editor) with 2. swimming lanes to flow process.

Graphic as Fig. 7 institute, the conversion from integrated warehouse 522 to integrated catalogue 514 should be easy as much as possible.In one embodiment, the flow process 732 in the integrated catalogue 514 is created, names and be linked to the effective flow definition 518 in integrated warehouse 522.Can also make has the flow process that surpasses to point to identical flow process in the integrated warehouse 522 in the integrated catalogue 514.Therefore, the integrated directory object of other all can link with flow process 732.In order to make this conversion easy, flow process 732 can be included in the configurable conversion of the user who is presented at user interface " guide ".

Flow process 732 in the integrated catalogue 514 comprises thin (thin) expression: this flow process is discerned with title and owing to the dependence of routing relation 734 for business scenario 730, this flow process embeds in business scenario 730.Catalogue flow process 732 covers the reference (link) of its warehouse flow process 518 that starts (effectively version).Therefore, the flow process in the integrated catalogue 514 is represented not comprise flow definition.Therefore, the configuration of flow custom in the integrated catalogue 514 or flow process is unnecessary.

Flow process 732 in the integrated catalogue 514 allow to specify routing relation 734 and from mapping relations 736 from/go to the mapping of flow process 732.This means that mapping and road have function flow process 732 need be identified as source or target (that is, business procedure can equally with business system be addressed).Must be able to see in integrated constructor interface whether a flow process or business system are addressed.Flow process 732 also is used as the sender of message in route.For example, should send in message and distinguish two different forwarding steps in different recipients' the identical flow process same-interface.

Conversion from stateless scene (not having flow process) to the scene that state is arranged (having flow process) should be level and smooth as much as possible.Figure 10 shows stateless communication.The connection (route) of O2 to I2 and O4 to I4 can be serialized, wherein, and the interface that O and I are to use.

Figure 11 illustrates the scene of state.In order to create the scene of state, need to remove the connection (route) of O2 to I2 and O4 to I4.Local interface L2 (to the Map Interface of O2) and L4 (to the Map Interface of O4) and flow definition need be created.Subsequently, need in business scenario, introduce flow process swimming lane (BP1).Can from the flow process interface take over action and from being connected (route) and must being adjusted to this flow process: O2 to L2 and L2 to I2; And O4 to L4 and L4 to I4.Can between interface L2 and I2 (because L2 is the mapping of O2), reuse in used mapping between interface O2 and the I2.Also be like this for O4/L4 and I4.

System can comprise the figure flow process modeling tool of the graphical modeling that is used for business procedure.This figure flow process modeling tool is included in the flow process constructor graphical user interface (GUI) and the basic modeling example of diagram modeling element on the figure.

Use available on stream data to carry out each flow process.These data are stored in as in the Container elements of the entity of flow process container (variable).To the flow process modeling time, this Container elements can be defined and comprise unique title and type.Container elements can be defined as many-line (that is the form of element).Container elements can divide into groups according to type.Such type is interface (that is, for the message of being handled by flow process).Another this type is simple XSD type (that is, being used for the flow process control data, for example counter etc.).The recipient also can be designated as the required a kind of data type of multicast.

The flow process interface is represented the mark (interface) of flow process, and it comprises having interface inbound and/or the departures role.The message of these interfaces can be received by flow process/send.The flow process interface can be derived from flow definition and Container elements.The inbound part of flow process interface is based on (that is the type of the Container elements that should receive) of the receiving step of the message that receives given interface.The departures of this flow process interface partly are based on the forwarding step of the message that sends given interface (that is the type of the Container elements that, has sent).

It is not only flow definition that the message that is sent to flow process need be delivered to, and also will be delivered to the correct example of flow process.Should " example route " can finish usually.The example of a new processing of beginning is a kind of special circumstances.Message by flow processing is that loosely connects.Should depend on business data by the dependence of the message of same flow processing.

Relevant is to be used for defining these dependent instruments.The declarative attribute that depends on message is described in detail in detail for relevant declarative (declarative).Attribute is exactly a field in the message.It is relevant to use a plurality of fields to define.The position of mark of correlation in each message (token) (being the value of association attributes) can be expressed on declarative ground in flow definition.As long as first message of maintenance information can be used, being correlated with just can be by illustration in the scope of flow instance.This illustration is come modeling by transmission and receiving step.

Flow process is merely able to be arrived by message and triggers, via application call or via API or beginning flow process alternately and can be mapped to use and trigger message via the people.Triggering message can be identified in receiving step.Therefore, the message of reception can be declared as triggering message and BPEL4WAL similar.In order to announce receiving step as triggering property, this step need flow process begin be defined.Receiving step is used to the message that consumption (consume) sends to flow process.Each receiving step will obtain its oneself message, even a plurality of receiving step is waited for the message of same-interface.If a message sends to flow process and do not have the illustration receiving step, then flow engine is listed as message queueing up to receiving step and arrives.

As mentioned above, message is sent to flow process.If do not consume the receiving step of message, then this flow process is with the message of high-speed cache arriving.If enter receiving step, from high-speed cache, take out the message and the receiving step of " time at most " and finish.If flow process enters receiving step and this high-speed cache is empty, then this flow waits arrives up to new message.Each receiving step example in the BPM system obtains its oneself message, rather than with traditional issue based on incident with subscribe to the same several event consumer of notifying when the identical incident generation.

Receiving step with reference to finish that receiving step need be filled all are relevant.When existence was relevant above one, all were finished receiving step (and semantic) by relevant must being filled of reference.Receiving step is also with reference to need the relevant of example when consuming the message that is received.The arrival of message is unique mode that new data can be brought into flow process.

Can be useful on a plurality of receiving steps of the message of same-interface.As shown in figure 12, at least 3 scenes are possible: in proper order; Parallel; And circulation.These will be discussed successively in the back.

In the order scene, a plurality of receiving steps are waited for the message of same-interface.Message arrives (t1 and t2) at different time point, and receiving step begins the waiting time of starting at from relevant activationary time.Semantic as follows: each recipient obtains its oneself (different) message; First message is finished first receiving step and second message is finished second receiving step; First message is not finished the receiving step of these two (perhaps more).This action has been avoided race condition and has been guaranteed not lose message.

In circulation scene, receiving step is waited for the message of same-interface in circulation.Message (same-interface) arrives (t1, t2 and t3) at different time point, and receiving step begins the waiting time of starting at from relevant activationary time.Semantic as follows: if do not consume the receiving step of message, the flow process arrival message that high-speed cache is all then; If enter receiving step, from high-speed cache, take out the message and the receiving step of " time at most " and finish.If flow process enters receiving step and this high-speed cache is empty, then this flow waits arrives up to new message.The scene that this ' circulation receives ' helps to realize collecting (collect).

Parallel scene has contained two parallel situations of waiting for the identical message of same-interface of receiving step.Message arrives (t1 and t2) at different time points, and two receiving steps all begin to wait for from relevant activationary time.Semantic as follows: each recipient obtains its oneself (different) message; First message is not finished this two receiving steps; Each receiving step obtains its oneself message, though order may be arbitrarily.

Describe receiving message transmission and step, will illustrate to send message and step.Forwarding step is used to send available on stream message.Carry out forwarding step, flow engine should (departures) message be submitted to streamline and is used for processing.The recipient of the message that sends can be via the routing configuration in the catalogue or directly by with the flow definition of recipient's determining step combination or use another message that is used for replying (reply) to determine or specify.

When from catalogue, retrieving routing configuration, process name and to go out station interface be sender information in the message.This message is submitted to streamline, and is evaluated to determine target interface and recipient in the suitable routing relation of this streamline.Context object can be used to distinguish the different forwarding step from same-interface as shown in figure 13.When directly specifying the recipient by flow definition, recipient's (that is business system) can directly be imported or be calculated by recipient's determining step.In this case, streamline can not calculate the recipient once more according to routing configuration.

If used routing configuration (catalogue), then need context object to distinguish the forwarding step that sends the message of same-interface from the different places of flow process, for example, branch is scolded in each Asia that is positioned at on-off element of forwarding step, and need be sent to different recipients.If there is not contextual information, can not distinguish forwarding step mutually, because they are parts of identical flow process and are sent at identical interface.Route can only be used process name and interface name.Context object makes it possible to submit additional contextual information via forwarding step to route.This information can be used in route conditions and classify to the route relation is true and false.

Asynchronous communication is the default behavior that is used for forwarding step.This message is used streamline (not receiving response or error message) and sends to its recipient.For asynchronous communication, might wait acknowledge (nothing/streamline, technology, application (default: no response)).These are replied and are not commercial message but recipient's technology response (positive or negative).Have only when recipient (adapter, system etc.) can send these and replys, this is replied just and can be received.

Mistake when the flow process level can not be seen transmission.Therefore, forwarding step does not return any error condition.When can be when streamline submits to message and flow engine to receive replying of request (if request), forwarding step finishes.Because flow engine is not configured to carry out any retry, retry is realized (can define the number of times of retry in CPA) working time by XI.

Can also use forwarding step to be used for synchronous communication.In this case, forwarding step is handled two message: a message that is sent out and an as a result of received message.Use synchronous communication,, do not need to handle and reply owing to call return results at once.

Flow engine can also send positive or negative via forwarding step and reply.When flow process fair termination, by the calling system request and clearly do not answered reply and will be satisfied.

The recipient that recipient's determining step is called streamline determines to calculate the recipient of the message of using routing iinformation.This step is returned a recipient's tabulation.This recipient's tabulation allows the multicast of flow process control.The same with forwarding step, recipient's determining step provides the contextual information that can be used in the assessment route conditions.

Switch process is configured to: merge message (N: 1); Cut apart message (1: N); With with message from an interface conversion to another (as 1: 1 of special circumstances).For each switch process, the message that may need to specify mapping program (interface mappings) and participate in shift scene.Mapping program needs to handle different transition cases.The conversion of message is to be undertaken by a service of being called by flow engine.Transformation Service should processes complete message (load, annex etc.).

Be linked to message load (for example as the catalogue of annex with reference to photo) and need be served following treating by this.In merging situation, as the diagram of Figure 14 institute, all annexes are collected and are affixed to the message of merging.Annex has a title by message load reference.All annexes must use unique title (for example GUID).Under situation about cutting apart, all annexes only can be replicated and append on the message of being created, even transmitted lot of data.So, the operation that switch process comprises conversion, merges and cuts apart.The operation of creating new information is a special case of switch process.

In operation, switch process calls the XI mapping service of working time, wherein uses one or several message (not being load) and mapping program as input parameter, and receives one or more new informations (not being load) as output parameter.Switch process is operated message, and is same, and other value sources or target (for example simple XSD type) are not preferably used.

Because it is unavailable during the course and can not submit to mapping program to be used to be worth the transmitter of mapping and/or recipient information, value mapping during the course will be impossible.Therefore, requirements of process is about the message format of " standardization " of value.As shown in figure 15, select the value form of sender business system A (BSA) to the value mapping of flow process as process specificationization.Yet when flow process received or send message, the value mapping was possible.

Control stream correlation modeling element or step comprise switchings, distribute, control, stop, part in parallel (parallel sections), circulate, wait for, empty, unusually and the deadline date.Switch provides several branch, the clear and definite order that each branch is equipped with condition and is used to assess.Take its condition to return first branch of true value in working time.Every other branch of branch can be left in the basket.If do not have branch's (that is, the condition of all branches is returned as vacation) of coupling, then take default branch.Allocation step changes the value of capacity element (being the top layer visit).Can not change message (load, leader etc.) by this operation.In order to change load, must carry out switch process.The message load can visit via Xpath, context object or other similar device.

Controlled step provides a plurality of difference in functionalitys of influence control stream, for example: issue unusual (throwexeptions) or termination process.Controlled step is the specific step type that is used for difference in functionality.Controlled step can comprise issue abnormal function and/or cancellation/expiry feature.Under the situation of makeing mistakes, should issue will by unusual handle (handler) handle unusual.What be published can discern by unique unusual title unusually.

Under the situation of makeing mistakes, must get involved the user at certain point.The realization of this controlled step provides the possibility that sends warning to the SAP alert management.

Cancellation/expiry feature allows termination process and all to participate in step and do not need error handling processing and compensatory behavior.It is functional to distinguish clear and definite and implicit cancellation.The clearly cancellation of controlled step is functional to stop whole flow process based on certain flow state (message of reception or final term).Handle this step, then flow process stops, and flow process entity itself will be terminated with all effective procedures.

Implicit not modeling on stream of cancellation function, but be a feature of flow engine as shown in figure 17.With clearly stop comparing, implicit situation does not influence whole flow process but only influences certain part (for example one or more derivation branch) of flow process.Clearly cancelling a functional example is the parallel section with two branches, and wherein first branch finishes parallel section one of (both) in integrating step.Therefore, if branch arrives engagement step and engaging condition be true, then another branch needs to be cancelled by implicit.Suppose that in two branches of t1 all be effective.Branch of t2 arrive engagement step and another branch also in processing.Be cancelled (engaging condition is for true for first branch) and flow process continues not afford redress in clearly cancelling after engagement step in another branch of t3.Branch will be no longer included further notice by implicit the termination.Final open communication must be considered when the definition engaging condition.

Piece (" scope " in BPEL or " sequences " among the BPML) can be provided for a plurality of steps that can share the container definition that definition will be carried out in proper order.This has also satisfied the purpose of document.Piece can also be used to define contains the deadline date that surpasses a step, and definition is unusual and their scope (reach).Owing to will define the deadline date and unusual for piece, also the deadline date of possibility definition block and unusual handle.

As mentioned above, can use controlled step, or it is unusual to propose (raise) by system.Modeling tool provides the possibility of the unusual handle of definition.Unusual permission flow logic is signaled enterprise and is made mistakes.Several different Exception Types comprise that the application of clearly being issued by flow logic is unusual, and by the system exception of flow engine issue.Can be unusual at the piece first level definition.Piece is represented the scope that it is unusual.Each piece can have the unusual of any amount.Each has unique title unusually and can not be redefined.

Can propose unusually via the controlled step of the unique unusual title of identification.In their scope, can be the unusual handle of existing unusual definition.Issue unusually can be by following processing: at first find the unusual handle that is used for this unusual title.At first search for and proposing (throw) order home block on every side; If piece around can not find unusual handle, then come next higher piece, and short of this unusual handle that finds just continues to do like this.The second, stop at all effective procedures in the piece that has this unusual handle.If this handle is found, then stop this piece and all effective steps on the parent piece.The 3rd, begin unusual handle and the execution step in unusual handle.The 4th, in the end of unusual handle, piece (wherein having defined unusual handle) quilt is as normally finishing.If this unusually can not be processed in one of piece, flow process will enter error condition.

The date of expiry that deadline date monitors this flow process is provided, and makes a response having missed the deadline date.Modeling tool also provides the possibility to deadline date handle modeling.Only the modeling element piece is had the deadline date, other element will not supported the deadline date.This allows one group of step of monitoring and is avoided race condition.If the deadline date only is attached to reception or forwarding step and should have arrived before this step is by example the deadline date then race condition can take place.

Deadline date comprises the definition, deadline date scope (after the deadline date is activated and/or is invalid) of date of expiry deadline date and for the reaction that has missed the deadline date.The deadline date definition can be programmed to and not consider weekend, public holidays etc.If the date of expiry has arrived, then will propose the deadline date to terminate in effective procedures all in this piece unusually and begin corresponding deadline date handle.Corresponding deadline date handle can based on the deadline date that arrives to the reaction modeling.Can there be default deadline date reaction.Each piece can only have a deadline date, this deadline date must have distribute to its oneself can be used as unusual unusual title of deadline date.Be this unusual definition deadline date handle.

Deadline date comprises deadline date definition (date and time) and to having missed the reaction of deadline date.System supports for the definition of the time restriction of process action execution (for example flow process must stop in first three day of the deadline date of load appointment).Reaction for example can make must send a message to suitable business system when failing to satisfy condition in the framework preset time, and/or is used for the aposematic mechanism user notification of SAP alert management (for example via) of abnormal case.

The flow process constructor is configured to provide two kinds of parallel sections: static variable and dynamic variable.Static parallel section (fork and join) provides the branch of parallel section any amount with synchronously, and numbers of branches can define at definition time.This parallel section will stop based on following conditions: as certain conditions, provide the logic (it also is available using " n among the n " all logics) of " n among the m ".As any condition based on message and the operation of container variable.Whenever having arrived engagement step, a branch then two kinds of conditions are all checked.If a kind of condition is returned as very, then stop other all effective branches.Flow process continues next procedure at once after parallel section finishes.

Dynamic parallel part (ParForEach) provides parallel section definition branch and synchronous piece.The quantity of the executed in parallel of this branch can be determined in working time.This dynamic parallel partly has the multi-thread element (form) of distribution.The branch of this definition (piece) is each line executed in parallel of this element.If multi-thread element is empty, then the dynamic parallel part will be finished at once.Each branch has its oneself address space.This dynamic parallel part will stop based on some condition: as special default condition, all branches must finish; As based on message and container variable and the aleatory variable of operating.When arriving its ending (ending of piece), branch will check two kinds of situations.If a condition is returned true value, then will stop all other effective branch.Flow process continues next procedure at once after parallel section finishes.

The flow process constructor can provide dissimilar circulations.One type circulation is " while " circulation.While circulation repeat one group of step up to one arbitrarily condition be satisfied.The circulation of another kind of type is " ForEach " circulation.ForEach is the piece with the multi-thread element (form) that is distributed.It carries out correlation step (one by one) in proper order round given multi-thread element circulation and for each line of this element.If this multi-thread element is empty, then do not carry out ForEach circulation (promptly this flow process does not go to error condition).Flow process continues next procedure at once at the end of piece.

Waiting step specifies in the delay in the flow process stream, up to having arrived certain deadline date or having passed through the delay in certain cycle.Blank element or step is done nothing and the space that must conduct be used for wanting the step of modeling.

Control stream modeling element has been described like this, will discuss to the modeling pattern now.These patterns are the high-rise building blocks that are used to construct the flow process that realizes the demand.Each pattern can make up with one or more other patterns and can with such as deadline date, unusual etc. single element (atomic) flow engine function combinations.The modeling pattern comprises: serialization message/sequence; Change/merge/cut apart; Multicast; And collection.

For serialization message and/or sequence, several receiving steps (in order to obtain all essential message that enter flow process) and several forwarding step can be combined in a kind of mode of order that can guarantee.The forwarding step operation technique is replied and is guaranteed that in fact it is important that message falls into this recipient system.Perhaps, must obtain corresponding commercial response by another receiving step of modeling.Therefore, this pattern can comprise the following steps: to receive message; With send the message that is received with relevant with recipient's technology dependence to graded.For a back step, before sending next message, wait for replying of this message; And recipient of each message addressing.

Conversion/merging/cutting constructing mould pattern comprises: (N: 1) collected message conversion is become a new information (for example several invoices being converted to a combination invoice); Or (1: N) message conversion is become several other message (converting the invoice of combination to the invoice relevant) with original buying order.Multicast modeling pattern comprises the following steps: to receive message or creates message via conversion; Find the recipient; With send output message to the recipient.Final step can be performed and not need to worry to answer/reply/and (no matter emission promptly), or by receiving a plurality of answers/reply (contrary serialization) to carry out.

In order to carry out the relevant step of message, flow engine depends on by XI working time rather than the service that provided by flow engine.XI provides the following service of being used by flow engine working time: send, the recipient determines, and conversion.Modeling tool can be provided.Flow engine can also provide from message view (XI working time) with from the technology of flow process view (process flow operation time) and monitor.Should navigate to message monitoring from flow monitoring, vice versa.In addition, can carry out integrated in XI monitoring infrastructure (that is, working time worktable).Whether the flow engine unit test should be effective with signalisation flow process engine.Finally, flow process can transmit warning in CCMS infrastructure.

Monitoring can be divided into two main scopes: the whole state of monitoring flow engine; With the single flow instance of monitoring.For last scope, system's support process monitoring during working time is for example such as the graphic presentation for the virtual condition of all effective flow instances.Performance information working time that system can also support book and be used for flow monitoring.For back one scope, system is configured to each flow instance writes process log (the application need application message that it is own writes agreement), and with process log with use the possibility of application data (for example order number) selection to show together.

Figure 16 illustrates the business procedure example of engine-operated time 600.In this example, SRM uses 802 and communicates by letter with provider application 804 via integrating server 206.Though only use 802 to represent that each application comprises inbound and goes out station interface, and can comprise the agency who is used to be connected to integrating server 206 working time with respect to SRM.Integrated warehouse 202 comprise be illustrated in SRM use 802 and provider application 804 between, at an example of the business procedure 232 of the communication of link semantically.

Business procedure example 232 comprises the flow definition of definition communication, is included in logic and physical interface between SRM and the provider application.This flow definition is defined in message transmission action and the content that takes place between these services in using, and detailsization as expected.

Integrating server 206 comprises business procedure engine 274, and (and via unshowned integrated catalogue) receives and carry out the business procedure example from integrated warehouse for it.Integrating server 206 also comprises message propagation function and service 806, resolves such as logic route, mapping and physical address.These functions and service 806 mappings that also comprise Transformation Service are used for merging, cut apart, create and/or mapping message between transmit leg and take over party's application.Integrating server 206 also is provided between the application service core message passing service transmitted based on the message of Web.

Though as detailed above some embodiment, other modification is possible.Other embodiment can be within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims (20)

1. system that is used in integrated two or more application of business system, described system comprises:

Integrating server, it is connected between two or more application, and described integrating server comprises the flow engine that is configured to carry out one or more predefined business procedures; With

Run time engine, it is operated under the guide of business procedure engine, is used for carrying out one or more message passing service based at least one predefined business procedure between two or more are used.

2. the system as claimed in claim 1 also comprises the warehouse that is used to store described one or more predefined business procedures.

3. system as claimed in claim 2, wherein, described warehouse comprises the mutual design time object that is defined between described two or more application systems.

4. as claim 2 or 3 described systems, also comprise the catalogue that is used for storing the part of described one or more predefined business procedures based on disposing the working time of enterprise's general picture.

5. system as claimed in claim 4, the working time of wherein said one or more predefined business procedures partly can be by described flow engine visit, to be carried out by described run time engine.

6. the described system of any one claim as described above, wherein, described message passing service comprise according to by the performed one or more business procedures of described business procedure engine to the logic route of message, message is mapped to another and the physical address of two or more application is resolved from an application.

7. the described system of any one claim as described above, wherein, each business procedure is defined in described two or more message based mutual in using.

8. one kind is used for the system that carries out message based exchange in two or more commercial application of business system, and described system comprises:

The warehouse, described two or more the commercial business system design times used of its storage are described, and described design time is described and is comprised the design time business procedure; With

Catalogue, described two or more the commercial business system configure dedicated used of its storage are described, and described configure dedicated is described and comprise the configure dedicated business procedure that will carry out between described two or more commercial application.

9. system as claimed in claim 8, wherein, described warehouse also comprises the message context description of the message that design time interfaces of described two or more commerce application are described, will be exchanged and describes describing relevant interface mappings with described design time interface between described two or more commercial application, and wherein, described design time interface is described, described message context is described and described interface mappings description chain is received at least one design time business procedure.

10. system as claimed in claim 8 or 9, wherein, described warehouse comprises that also the design time business scenario of the summary of representing described design time business procedure describes.

11. system as claimed in claim 9, wherein, each design time interface is described the link that is included at least one interface type object and/or at least one type of message object.

12. system as claimed in claim 9, wherein, each design time interface mappings describe be included at least one based on business procedure be defined in interface between the link of message maps object of mapping.

13. as any one described system in the claim 8 to 12, wherein said catalogue also comprises the description of configure dedicated business scenario, it comprises described configure dedicated business procedure.

14. system as claimed in claim 13, wherein, each configure dedicated business procedure is included in the link of at least one routing relation object and/or at least one mapping relations object.

15. a method that is used for using in commerce integrated two or more application services of general picture, described method comprises:

Described two or more application and a business scenario are associated;

Define one or more design time business procedures based on described business scenario; With

In the described one or more design time business procedures each described with the interface of described two or more application link.

16. method as claimed in claim 15, also comprise with described one or more design time business procedures each and at least one be described in two message routes between the application based on message content context object link.

17., also comprise in the described one or more design time business procedures each described with at least one interface mappings that is described in the mapping between the interface of two or more application linking as claim 15 or 16 described methods.

18., comprise also that definition and commercial configuration working time of using general picture are associated and based on the one or more configure dedicated business procedures of described design time business procedure as any one described method in the claim 15 to 17.

19. method as claimed in claim 18 also comprises:

In run time engine, produce the example of at least one configure dedicated business procedure; With

Carry out described example according to described at least one configure dedicated business procedure and transmit message.

20. method as claimed in claim 19 also comprises according to described configure dedicated business procedure and transmit message between described two or more in using two.

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